D is for Dindrane

"If the quest was hard for a man, imagine how much harder it was for a woman." 

-Camelot Oracle- 

Dindrane's character is almost tempting to forget, as little is actually known about her. The most well known fact about her is that she is the sister of Perceval. She was raised in almost complete seclusion, which echoes that of her brother's own upbringing. To the surprise of many however, Dindrane is the only woman to search for the holy grail. The fact she is the only woman to search for the grail, makes her character extremely important to the tale. Even while the Arthurian Legend depicts her death, her character's importance lives on throughout the legends. 

As the only female to actively seek out the grail, Dindrane is often known as the grail heroine. She is first introduced in a lonely hermitage, where Galahad has wandered. Interestingly, it is Dindrane, not Galahad that offers to join the quest. Without almost a word, Dindrane leads Galahad to a shore line, where Perceval and Bors are waiting. Soon, a ship arrives, without any crew aboard. Without too much delay, the group soon boards the ship, only to discover precious items for their quest. Interestingly, it is Dindrane and Galahad that have a major role to play in this event. 

While on board the Ship of Solomon, Galahad finds a sword. It is Dindrane that knows the sword's significance, and fulfill one of the prophecies. Taking her hair, gold thread, silk, and jewels, Dindrane makes a new belt for the sword. The Sword of the strange belt is later found to belong to none other than Galahad. It's religious significance in their quest being that such a sword belonged to King David, and then Solomon himself. Legend says that after finding these things, the group continued until they reached a castle. It was within this castle that Dindrane would fulfill her destiny. 

Having reached the castle, the custom demands a royal virgin maiden give a dish of her blood, in the hopes of healing the lady of the castle. Dindrane gives of her blood freely, however she discovers that she cannot stop bleeding. She soon dies, and yet the lady of the castle is healed by her sacrifice. The group soon buries her upon their return to Sarras. Having foreseen her destiny, Dindrane knows that she would go on to be buried beside her brother, and also Galahad. Throughout the tales, there is a strong connection to Galahad and Dindrane. In fact, it sometimes said that she knew more of Galahad's family than he did. 

The significance of Dindrane's character is symbolic of Christ. Not only does she sacrifice herself, but she is interestingly female. Many have called her a female Christ, though only in a sense of the Arthurian Legends. It is within the legends that one finds an almost contradictory equality between men and women. For Pagans, this isn't truly surprising. Dindrane could very well be a great symbol of the wisdom and power within a female. It wouldn't be until years later, that the Arthurian Legends became a mix of both Pagan and Christian tales. The fact Dindrane's character lived on despite the prejudices of a highly patriarchal religion, shows her true importance. 

For those of the Arthurian Tradition, Dindrane remains a symbol of feminine wisdom. She reminds us of what it means to be honest and true at heart. Her very nature is one that is said to evoke kindness, and teaches only love. The very willingness to sacrifice of herself wholeheartedly, can only inspire us to adhere to such a standard. As the only female to seek out the grail, she reminds us all that at some point we may stand out. It is in that moment that we may truly find our destiny. For those working with Dindrane's energies, it is the purest, simplest, and  yet most intelligent. The secrets of pursuing our own quests can come alive, as we seek out the grail heroine for ourselves.